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New features for free-to-enter AIPS Sport Media Awards, with prize money on offer

Submissions encouraged for 9th annual AIPS Sport Media Awards, where British entrants have been successful in previous editions; event offers chance to be recognised on global stage, with trophies and prize money for top three in eight main categories plus Young Reporters awards…

By Jon Holmes

Christine Thomas (centre), writing for L’Equipe in France, won the Best Colour Piece category at last year’s AIPS Sport Media Awards. Four UK entrants were placed in the Top 10. (image: AIPS)

British sports journalists, broadcasters, content creators and photographers are being encouraged to enter the ninth annual AIPS Sport Media Awards, and get the chance to be celebrated on the international stage.

Free to enter, the prestigious competition includes trophies and prize money for the top three entries across eight main categories, alongside dedicated Young Reporters awards.

The latest edition of the Awards introduces new opportunities designed to give outstanding work even greater recognition, both globally and across individual continents.

Outlining the changes, AIPS organisers explained: “The final World Ranking will feature 25 works, expanding the number of entries that will receive recognition among the world’s best sports media productions.

“The Awards will also introduce special mentions in the Continental Rankings for the first time, highlighting works that reflect the values promoted by AIPS.

“These special mentions will recognise journalism connected to values including Human Rights, gender equality, Sport for Hope, the fight against discrimination and doping, and the promotion of inclusion in sport, among others.

“The new continental recognitions complement the Special Awards at world level and further strengthen the AIPS Sport Media Awards’ commitment to recognising journalism that contributes to the wider values of sport and society.”

The Awards have consistently proven to be a fruitful platform for UK talent. In last year’s competition, 32 British entrants succeeded in making the shortlists, with a further 56 earning places on the initial longlists.

British sports media professionals also brought home accolades from the main ceremony. Adam Leventhal and Abi Paterson from The Athletic, alongside Ian Brackley of Warner Bros. Discovery, each claimed bronze-medal awards on the night in Lausanne, Switzerland, in April 2026.

The future of UK sports photojournalism was also highlighted, with photographers Will Palmer and Anthony Hanc earning special recognition in the Young Reporters category.

These recent successes build on a strong legacy of British achievement at the event. Previous winners from these shores across past editions include Leventhal, CNN Sport’s Jack Bantock, acclaimed sports writers Suzy Wrack and Kate Rowan, elite athlete and columnist Dina Asher-Smith, and photographers Palmer, Andy Couldridge, John Walton, Oli Scarff and Sam Barnes.

With no entry fee and cash prizes awarded to the top three in all main categories, the AIPS Sport Media Awards continue to serve as the highest international accolade for sports storytellers.

Entrants are encouraged to submit their work across print, digital, audio, visual, and photography categories to join the global celebration of sports media excellence, before the deadline of Wednesday 4 November, 2026.

Content published or broadcast within the 12-month period immediately preceding the deadline is eligible.

Visit AIPSawards.com for more information and the entry portal.

Watch a replay of the AIPS Sport Media Awards 2025 ceremony (starts 8:00)

Further reading…

Young Photographers shine with Top 5 finishes at AIPS Sport Media Awards

AIPS Sport Media Awards news index (AIPS Media)

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